PUTRAJAYA: Dr Mahathir Mohamad has mooted the formation of a “core group”, comprising leaders from all across the political divide wishing to see the country free from Prime Minister Najib Razak’s grasp.

Mahathir, who today announced his resignation from Umno, or as he called it “Najib party”, said the next step would be for all those who shared similar goals of ousting Najib to stand united.

“People are voicing the same opinion on different occasions, separately, and people are confused.

“We need to have a core group with a single objective.

“So if anyone wants to consult or object (to matters related to Najib), they can do so with this group which will also represent citizens who want to get rid of him,” he added at a press conference at the Perdana Leadership Foundation here today.

When asked if he would be the one leading the group, the former premier said: “I am not leading, but I will be one of the members.”

Mahathir also expressed hope that suspended Umno Deputy President Muhyiddin Yassin would follow suit and leave the ruling party to join the core group.

Moments prior to Mahathir’s announcement, he and several members of the opposition pact were involved in a closed-door meeting where they all agreed that Najib needs to go.